WA taxi driver jailed for sex attack

A PERTH taxi driver who sexually and indecently assaulted five wheelchair-bound women in his vehicle has been jailed for 10 years in what a judge has described as an "appalling breach of trust".

PETER Edward Kasatchkow, 58, was sentenced in the Perth District Court on Friday over 33 offences including indecently dealing with an incapable person and sexual penetration without consent.

The separate incidents happened when the women, aged between 18 and 52, were passengers in his taxi between January and February this year. Some victims have cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, with some unable to communicate and require constant care. His indecent dealings with four women and rape of a fifth were recorded on the taxi's camera. In one incident, Kasatchkow kissed a 29-year-old victim's breasts and mouth, and sexually penetrated her despite the woman repeatedly telling him to stop.
He then told her they should do it again soon. The court heard she was a virgin before the attack. She immediately complained about the assault but Kasatchkow claimed they had consensual sex. Judge Kevin Sleight said the women were "sexually exploited" by Kasatchkow and could not physically resist. He noted one victim who said she felt frightened all the time and wished her life would return to normal. Judge Sleight said it was "an appalling breach of trust on the most vulnerable" with long term consequences for the victims. "You have taken away their innocence," he said. Judge Sleight said he did not believe Kasatchkow was remorseful. Kasatchkow's lawyer, John Rando, said his client accepted his behaviour was an abuse of power. "He's terribly ashamed of what has occurred," he said during submissions. Mr Rando said Kasatchkow had apologised to his victims through a psychologist report and wanted to rehabilitate himself in prison. Kasatchkow must serve eight years behind bars before being eligible for parole. Outside court, disability advocate Peter Hall said the industry needed to do a better job of making sure passengers were safe. "We need security, we need safety and we need reassurance," he said.

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